Santo Domingo. Felnin Celestén, one of the brightest prospects in Dominican baseball, is already training with the Toros del Este. The young man was the first selection of the 2025 Rookie Draft of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM). The 19-year-old shortstop, belonging to the Seattle Mariners, joined the bull training at the beginning of the week. He has already participated in three preseason games, competing for the starting position at the sixth position for the Opening Day of the winter season, scheduled for October 15.
Jesús Mejía, general manager of the Toros, highlighted the importance of Celestén to strengthen the team’s infield. The young man, originally from Guaymate, La Romana, signed with the Mariners in 2023 for a bonus of US$4.7 million, the highest awarded by the organization in the international free agent market that year. In his time in Class A and Class A strong in 2025, Celestén had a .273 average (115 hits in 421 at-bats), with 6 home runs, 59 RBIs, 58 runs scored, 19 doubles, and 3 triples.“A solid shortstop, who brings athleticism, speed and a dynamic bat”.
Jesús Mejía, general manager of the Toros
In addition to Celestén, the Toros have received major leaguers Marco Luciano and Sixto Sánchez, along with imports Matt Dermody and R.J. Alaniz. Infielders Iván Castillo, Manny Peña, Randy Guzmán and Francisco Urbáez have also joined, as well as pitchers José Adames, Grégory Louis, Anderson Bidó, Jesús Liranzo and Valentín Linares. With these additions, the orange team continues its preparation for the winter tournament 2025-26.“First of all, I thank God and then the Toros staff for taking me into account in the draft. I felt very good to be selected. For me, who am from La Romana, it is a dream to play here, in my town.”
Felnin Celestén
